Levels - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Alwaysconfusd11 · 05-17-2008, 06:09 PM

I just "lost"

my 2 levels. I have been looking into new ones, and it seems stabila is the best, but why? Are they worth the money? I know I sound cheap asking a queation like that, and when it comes to tools, I try not to be, but take the craftsman for example, about $30 dollars for a 48" and it has a lifetime guarentee. Is it ****ty like all the other craftsman tools are becoming?

WarnerConstInc. · 05-17-2008, 06:20 PM

Just spend the money on a 2 pack of Stabila's. Just got numbers #3 and #4 last week. I got the 32" with the 78" for 119.00 +tax. That is not to bad when the 32" is $80.00 by itself. As long as you dont let them get stolen you will never have to buy another level.

Alwaysconfusd11 · 05-17-2008, 06:27 PM

Which is part of my fear, I am thinking of buying the cheaper levels for basic jobs, and just using the stabila's when I know they will be accounted for.

**Leo G** · 05-17-2008, 06:28 PM

I've got 2 older craftsman levels (2' & 4'), aluminum "I" beam style. These are the levels I trust. I don't know how the new ones are though.

neolitic · 05-17-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alwaysconfusd11

I just "lost"

my 2 levels. I have been looking into new ones, and it seems stabila is the best, but why? Are they worth the money? I know I sound cheap asking a queation like that, and when it comes to tools, I try not to be, but take the craftsman for example, about $30 dollars for a 48" and it has a lifetime guarentee. Is it ****ty like all the other craftsman tools are becoming?

If you go into a store and pick up 4 levels,
stack 'em and read 'em I'll bet you get
4 different stories.
If you know how to "swap ends" to check
for true, you can go through their stock
and keep checking til you get a true one.
(Kind of a PITA in a store)
OR
Buy a Stabila, it will be good out of the box
and stay that way if you give it a little respect.
Even if you don't, they'll make it right.

Life is short, buy good tools.

troubleseeker · 05-17-2008, 06:53 PM

Definately a quality product, but only as good as the treatment you give it, like most higher accuracy tools. If your idea of picking up is to throw everything in the back of a truck or van and chunk the tablesaw and compressor on top, just spend half as much and buy a Johnson , or Stanley , or such, and throw them away every year.

neolitic · 05-17-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troubleseeker

Definately a quality product, but only as good as the treatment you give it, like most higher accuracy tools. If your idea of picking up is to throw everything in the back of a truck or van and chunk the tablesaw and compressor on top, just spend half as much and buy a Johnson , or Stanley , or such, and throw them away every year.

My experience is the Johnson, Stanley, Craftsman,
Empire......is as likely as not lying to you right
off the shelf.
Try it next time you're around a display.
So glad I stumbled on one I don't need
to check out before I buy it. (I do anyway)

Chris Johnson · 05-17-2008, 07:12 PM

I use a variety of 4' to get things close during the initial build, before the concrete pour I tighten every thing up with a 8' Stabila, check everything after the pour with the Stabila then put it away till the next job. I also have a 4' digital Stabila, calibrate it and check my others every once in a while, the 8' is always bang on, the cheap 4' (Fat Max, Empire) etc, are close but not 100%

JonM · 05-17-2008, 07:13 PM

Spirit Levels
STABILA spirit levels will maintain their stated accuracy for life. The vials on all STABILA levels will not fog, leak, or become inaccurate. If they do, you will be given a new level. Bent frames void warranty.

TempestV · 05-17-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonM

Spirit Levels
STABILA spirit levels will maintain their stated accuracy for life. The vials on all STABILA levels will not fog, leak, or become inaccurate. If they do, you will be given a new level. Bent frames void warranty.

I've seen a stabila spirit level that was off- it wasn't agreeing with my spirit level, so I figured it was mine, because it's just a cheap husky from hd, but I checked both of them by setting them so they read level, then swapping ends, and mine was spot on, while the stabila was slightly off. I've actually been pretty impressed with the husky levels- I have a couple of them, and they always read correct, plus they have the side view window for plumb. I also have a stabila plate level for when I need longer than 4'.

Alwaysconfusd11 · 05-17-2008, 07:30 PM

This is the kick I was looking for. Ill go Monday morning and buy them...BTW whens the next TA meeting, it has been too long since my last one.

JonM · 05-17-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TempestV

I've seen a stabila spirit level that was off- it wasn't agreeing with my spirit level, so I figured it was mine, because it's just a cheap husky from hd, but I checked both of them by setting them so they read level, then swapping ends, and mine was spot on, while the stabila was slightly off. I've actually been pretty impressed with the husky levels- I have a couple of them, and they always read correct, plus they have the side view window for plumb. I also have a stabila plate level for when I need longer than 4'.

Just bring your malfunctioning stabila to any store near you that sells them...they will gladly give you a new one.

KillerToiletSpider · 05-17-2008, 08:18 PM

I use my Stabila levels to check the accuracy of my laser, if the laser doesn't jive with the Stabila it goes in for calibration.

troubleseeker · 05-17-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

My experience is the Johnson, Stanley, Craftsman,
Empire......is as likely as not lying to you right
off the shelf.
Try it next time you're around a display.
So glad I stumbled on one I don't need
to check out before I buy it. (I do anyway)

I'm not disputing the superior accuracy of the Stabila, just making the point that it's just a waste on money to buy a precision tool, if you are a person who doesn't take care of them.

DrewD · 05-17-2008, 09:57 PM

Worth every penny you pay for them. I'm saving up for the plate level. My father had an employee drop his 72" level down a flight of stairs, he sent it in and got a new one minus shipping. Johnson are good too, I believe their both owned by the same company just one is high end the other is not quite.

2ndGen · 05-17-2008, 10:21 PM

Stabila all the way.

Money-wise, the "sets" are better and what good is it to buy cheaper levels at 1/2 or 1/3 the price if they won't last you a year? By the 3rd year, your already spending Stabila money anyway.

All on Amazon.

There's a 5 Set Pack that as a 10"/16"/24"/32"/59" with case for $300. delivered.

There's also the Magnetic Jamber Set for my longer and metal framing needs with a 78"/32" w/case Set for $240. delivered.

And the 12' w/case Plate Level @ $275.

And to round it out to a nice $830. with a "pocket" level...pick this up for about $15.

It's like I always say...
"A real Timex is better than a fake Rolex anyday."

neolitic · 05-17-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troubleseeker

I'm not disputing the superior accuracy of the Stabila, just making the point that it's just a waste on money to buy a precision tool, if you are a person who doesn't take care of them.

That's probably true,

I just don't know how to think
like one of them.

dayspring · 05-18-2008, 05:56 AM

WARNING!
Once you use a Stabila level and experience the trustworthy accuracy and durability of their levels. You'll never purchase another cheap level again. Very much worth the money, even if you are one that don't take care of your tools.

threaderman · 05-18-2008, 07:21 AM

I've always used the Craftsman 4 vial levels that have the vial for Grade/Fall also.I have the Torpedo,2' and 4'.
It is nice to know there are other options though should the need arise.

**AtlanticWBConst** · 05-18-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGen

[b]Stabila all the way.

There's also the Magnetic Jamber Set for my longer and metal framing needs with a 78"/32" w/case Set for $240. delivered.

And the 12' w/case Plate Level @ $275.

And to round it out to a nice $830. with a "pocket" level...pick this up for about $15.

It's like I always say...
"A real Timex is better than a fake Rolex anyday."

Stop with the level porn! ..... I can't take it anymore....

(drooling over the magnetic jamber set)